Laminated disk clutch



Nov. 22, 1938. l H. KATTWINKEL 2,137,977

LAMINATED DISK CLUTCH Filed May 19, 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet l 'M 14, 4@ ff ma vf A Nov. 22, 1938.

H. KATTWINKEL 2,137,977

LAMI'NATED DISK CLUTCH Filed May 19, 1957 s sheets-sheet 2 l e@ M7 Nov. 22, 1938, H. KA'rTwlNKr-:L 2,137,977

LAMINATED 4DISK CLUTCH Filed May 19, 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet I g- I i 4 I 35a 3 2a l.

7a2/5225er.'

Patented Nov. 22, 1938 UNITED s-'rATss LAMINA'IED DISK CLUTCH Hans Kattwinkel, Radebeul, Germany Application May 19, 1937, Serial No. 143,582

In Germany May 22, 1936 21 Claims.

My invention relates to a multiple disk friction clutch, primarily intended to be interposed between the driving engine andthe change-speed gear of an automobile vehicle, comprising two clutch disk-carriers, one pertaining to the driving shaft and the other to the driven shaft, one of the said clutch disk-carriers being permanently connected non-rotatably with its associated shaft. According to the invention the other clutch disk-carrier is rotatable both in relation to the shaft pertaining to it and also in relation to the shaft pertaining to the rst-named clutchdisk-carrier, and is brought into and out of engagement with its associated shaft by an aux- This novel clutch is distinguished by the following advantages amongst others: It only takes up a small amount of space, particularly in an axial direction; it permits of smooth starting at all times; the frictional conditions are constant; the friction coverings are of great durability; the consumption of power in operating the clutch pedal is small on account of the possibility, occasioned by the close contact of the clutch disks, of selecting a high ratio of transmission; the clutch is cheap to manufacture, and simple to install. Further advantages and features of the invention will be gathered from the following description.

Various preferred forms of construction of 4the invention are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 shows in axial sectional elevation the upper halfof a vehicle clutch constructed according to the invention, while Figure 1a is a. detail view of pressure plate 1,

and

Figures 2 and 3 are axial sections through two further embodiments of the invention.

In Figure 1, l denotes the gear shaft, upon which a carrier 2 for the inner frictional clutch disks 3 is keyed fast. A carrier 5 for the outer clutch disks 4 is rotatably supported by its hub sleeve 5a upon a hollow cylindrical extension 2a of the carrier 2. 'By a cover 5b connected with the free end ofthe 'carrier 5, the cavity containing the clutch disks 3, l is shut off, except for a central aperture 5d, so that the interior can be filled with oil or some other lubricating 'or cooling medium. The compression of the clutch disks 3, l,V which are in engagement with one another even when the clutchis released, is eected by the aid of a plurality of helical springs I, which bearl at one end against .the carrier 2 for the inner disks and at the other end against a pressure ring 1, which is so supported upon the .tubular hub 2b of the carrier-2 as to be axially slidable but not rotatable thereon. By means of levers l mounted at 8a on the carrier 2, the pressure of the springs i is transmitted to the clutch disks. The carrier lifor the outer clutch disks is provided at 5c with teeth, which mesh with corresponding internal teeth on a sheet steel ring 9, which is provided on both sides with friction coatings 9a. The friction ring together with an annular body I2, which is connected fast with a flywheel I I mounted upon the engine shaft, forms an auxiliary clutch, to which there also v pertains a pressure ring I3, which is pressed towardsthe right against the friction ring 9 by helical -springs I 3a, a radial flange on the ring I2 constituting the abutment. The retraction of the pressure ring I 3,--which is guided by projections |3c engaging inrecesses I2b in the annular body I2, is effected through the medium of levers I5, which are pivoted at I5a on the flywheel Il, and bear with their inner ends against a sleeve I6, which is rotatable relatively to the shaft I and which bears, by means of a ball-bearing I'l, against a sleeve 'I8,jso mounted upon the hub portion 2b of the carrier 2 as to be axially slidable but not rotatable thereon. At the right hand end of this sleeve II there are lugs la projecting in van axial direction from the pressure plate 1. 'I'he lugs 'Ia engage through corresponding apertures in the web portion 2c of the carrier 2. vThe sliding of the pressure plate 1 against the action of the springs 6 is eiected in a known manner by the aid of a lpressure ring I9, actuated by the driver of the vehicle by means of the clutch pedal.

Through gaps in the levers I5 there project plunger-like members 2li, which engage, with a ball-shaped head 20a at the right hand end in a corresponding cavity of spherical form in the pressure ring I3. 'I'he opposite ends of the members 20 project through holes Ha provided in the ywheel Il and are provided with a nose 20h 'which can come into engagementwith a projection 2|, constructed as a yspring stirrup and secured to thel flywheel. The plungers 20 are also formed withV notches 20c, in which a pawlllke projection v15b, provided in the gap in the lever I5, can engage. The right hand side face ofthe notch of each of said plungers 20 is in- The method of operation is as follows: In the working position, that is to say.` when the clutch vses is closed, the clutch disks I, 4 are pressed together by the springs 6 by means of the levers 8. The levers I5 are in the position illustrated in Figure l. If, in the gear connected by the clutch with the engine, a lower speed for instance is to be put in, the driver, after he has closed the throttle, steps on the clutchv pedal, as a result of which ilrst the main clutch is relieved, and immediately lthereafter the auxiliary clutch is opened. The levers I5, which then execute a movement towards the left with their lower ends, take the plungers 20 with them by the aid of their pawls I5b, the resilient projection 2I yielding. If the pedal is depressed still further, the plungers, with their noses 20h, jump over the springs 2I, and the latter return to the initial position. 'I'he levers I5 then'gb back a littleway again,

without taking the'plungers 20 with them. During the further backward'movement, by the inclined surfaces on the right hand side of'the notches 20c, the plungers 2li are lifted, as aresult of which they become free from.the resilient projections 2I. The pressure springs Ila.`

'can now come into action. 'I'hey throw the pres# sure plate I3 against the friction disc 9, whereby the auxiliary clutch is suddenly closed. f

The essence of the invention consists therefore in sub-dividing the clutch device into a main or working clutch, and an auxiliary or holding clutch. 'I'he latter is preferably constructed as a simple friction disk clutch running dry, which can work with high specific pressures, since, in closing, it merely has to overcome the 'slight resistances of the still released main clutch during the slipping of the latter, but afterwards remains quite stationary, while the main or working clutch furnisheslthe slipping work in accelerating a starting vehicle. Since the main clutch is constructed with a large number of disks, and its specific load is therefore very low, and since in addition it can work in an oil bath, or, in the case of larger constructions, with a circulation of coolingfluid psing through an external cooler, it is in a position to furnish the frictional work arising during even a lengthy period of slipping, and above all to permit of a smooth and not jerky starting.

In the construction shown in Figure 2, I again denotes the driven shaft, Il the driving shaft, and 2 the carrier for the inner disks I, which in' this case is mounted fast upon the latter shaft.

The carrier I for the outer disks 4 is connected fast with a disk II, -with the teeth of which there meshes a pinion on the starting motor of the f vehicle. yTo this disk is alsol secured, through the medium of an annular body I2, one of the cooperating friction surfaces I2a of the auxiliary clutch, the friction disk 9, 9a of which is connected by its driver 23' with the driven shaft I bygrooves and ledges-in such a manner that the driver can slide axially along the shaft but not rotate relatively thereto. The friction ring 9 engages. with radial projections in the spaces between teeth provided on the driver 23; 'Ihe driver 2l forms at the same time the casing for the entire clutch. The pressure plate Il of the auxiliary clutch is guided in an axial 4direction upon the carrier 5, and is provided with a plurality of projections 13b extending radially inwards, which are located within the range of movement of the pressure plate I4 of the main clutch, in such a way that the latter, when it is moved towards the left, in the release of the main clutch,' against the action of the springs 6 that press it against the clutch disks l, 4, takes with itvthe pressure plate' 'I3 of .the auxiliary clutch, as a result of which the latter is likewise released. The release of the main clutch is effected in the usual manner through the medium of a ring I9, surrounding the driven shaft I,

and slidable in an axial direction, coated with graphite. This ring, when the clutch pedal is depressed, is displaced in the direction of the arrow, and then pressed upon the hub portion 23a of the driver 23 for theY auxiliary' clutch. Between the hub portion of the driver and the levers 4 supported at 8a on an abutment ring .22 lconnected fast with the carrier' is interposed a ball thrust bearing 1, so that upon displacement of the driver 23 in the directionof the arrow the pressure plate I4 is moved towards the left by means of the pull rods 24 connecting it with the short arms of the levers I, as a result of which the relieving of the clutch disks 3, 4 is effected, and therefore the release oi' the main clutch. The engagement of the frictional surfaces of the auxiliary clutch is effected by the aid of springs I3a, which are com-1 pressed between the pressure plate II and outwardly directed projections on the abutment ring 22.

'I'he method of operation is as follows: When the clutch pedal is depressed the'clutch disks of the main clutch is relieved, against the action of the springs 6, by the retraction of the pressure plate I4. The disks'do not however become free, since the path of the. pressure plate is very small in comparison with the large number of disks. If the clutch pedal is pressed right down the pressure plate I4 thenstrikes against ``the projections I3b on the pressure plate of the auxiliary clutch and takes the latter with it, as a result'of which the auxiliary clutch is also released. Since theI latter, as contrasted with the main clutch, only has two friction surfaces. the smallest travel of the pressure plate Il is Vsuiilcient to free the friction surfaces from one another completely. 'I'he actuating of the laminated disk clutch is effected in thisway as simply as that of an ordinary single-disk clutch.

'I'he friction disk 9 may conveniently be made of sheet steel or of light metal, and coated on both sides with annular disks 0a of special frictional material. f

The connecting of the carrier 5 of the outer disks of the main clutch with the toothed wheel II for the starter presents the advantage that the latter may under some circumstances be made comparatively thin, because it is directly possible to bring the toothed wheel II, together with .the associated inertia mass, to a relatively high'speed, of revolution by the aid 'of a low-power motor, and thereby to store-up energy: Only when this has been done is the clutch allowed to engage, for the energy available for startingvls, not only that of the rotor of the starting engine, but also that of the toothed vwheel II acting as a flywheel.

The embodiment illustrated in Figure V3 presents the advantage over those already described, that the displacement travel of the disengagement sleeve requisite for the disengagement of the clutch, and therefore the travel of the clutch pedal, is considerably shortened. This is attained owing to the fact that by omitting-the lever transmission between the disengaging sleeve and the pressure plate acting upon the clutch disks, the latte;` is transferred to the other'side of the clutch disks andis so formed that it can be lifted by direct displacement by disengaging the muif Il from the clutch disks. The auxiliary clutch may 75 fflevers I8, which are distributed round the peby Il, and the driven shaft by l.

memberlia of which a sleeve 2, concentric with Y the shaft, is connected by screws 2a. The sleeve 2 serves as a carrier for the group of disks 3 pertaining to the shaft Il. The disks 4, of the group belonging to the shaft I. are aligned upon bolts 5b, which are screwed -into a ring body i, which forms the carrier for the group of disks l, The bolts Ib at the same time hold an annular disk le, which serves as an abutment for the compression oi the .clutch disks 3, I. This compression is effected by the aid of a prsure plate I 4, which is displaceable in 'an axial direction, with a hub body Ila, constructed as a hollow sleeve, upon a hub sleeve Ila. To'the sleeve Sla, which is supported by the aid of ball bearings 2l, 2l upon the driven shaft I, is attached a disk 2l, which is integral with the ring body 6. The ring body l forms', towards the flywheel II`, a bell-shaped extension 22, which, on the side lacing the flywheel, presents an inwardly projecting ring I2. 'Ihe latter serves as an abutment (or the friction disk 9 of the auxiliary clutch. The pressure plate Il of the auxiliary clutch forms a ring, which is guided on ledges 23a on the body 23,.and which is pressed against the friction disk I by helical springs Ila located between it and the tlange member of the bell body 22. The releasing oi the auxiliaryclutch isv effected by the aid of riphery, and which are supported at IIa on the annular body I. 'I'hese levers bear with their lower ends on the pressure plate I4 of the main clutch, and with their shorter upper ends -onl' positioning screws 2l of the pressure ring Il of the auxiliary clutch.

.The friction disk l of the auxiliary clutch consists of a disk of thin spring sheet metal, which,"

on the inside; in the neighbourhood of the axis, is riveted to the iiange2l of a sleeve 2l keyed on to the shaft I, while on the outer margin it carries the two coatings 9a of special frictionaP material, for instance a mass o'il asbestos fibre bound together with an artificial resin,'cooperat 'sing with the abutment I2 and the friction ring I3. Thesheet metal disk I is given a certaininitial stress when inserted, in such a way that the external surfaces of the coverings la, when the auxiliary clutch is released, are located very close to the abutment I2 and also to the pressure ring I3, In this way any dragging of the auxiliary clutch ina disengaged condition is obviated.

The pressing together of the clutch disks ofthe main clutch is effected by the aid of a strong .helical spring 0,' which is lodged, concentrically with the axis of the shaft, in the annular` cavity in the hub sleeve. Ila, and bears at one end against the bottom of this cavity, land at the other end against the disk. The opening of the mainclutch is eilected when the clutch pedal acting -upon the disengaging muil Il is depressed, by the direct action or .the disengaging muil upon the opposite end of the hub sleeve Ila, and therefore, through the medium of this hub sleeve, upon the pressure plate Il. -By the latter the levers Il of thc'auxiliary clutch are moved at the same time, whereby also this clutch is released.

'Ihe `method of operation is asiollowsz- When the clutch is to be released-the muil II isdisplaeedinthedirectionoithearrowbydeclutch springs into the position illustrated in thedrawings, in which both clutches are closed.

I claim:

1. In a clutch mechanism especially for autumobile vehicles having toothed-wheel changespeed gearing, the combination of a rotatable driving member and a rotatable driven member comprising two sets of co-operating clutch disks. a carrier for one of said sets of clutch disks iixed to one of said rotatable members, a carrier for the other set oi' clutch disksarraned t0 coact with theother rotatable member and loosely rotatable with respect to both the rotatable members. both of said carriers being` substantially A* non-shiftable in-an axial direction, an auxiliary friction clutch between said loosely rotatable carrier and the rotatable member with which it is arranged to coact and clutch actuating means Awith a main clutch .of the multiple disk type.`

for said main and auxiliary clutches arranged n to openV the. main clutch before the auxiliary clutch'and to close the main clutch after the auxiliary clutch. Y

2. Ina .clutch mechanism especially for automobile vehicles having toothed-wheel changespeed gearing, the combination of a'rotatable driving member and a rotatable drivenmember with a main clutch of the multiple disk type. comprising-two sets of co-operating clutch disks, a carrier for one of said sets of clutch disks iixed to one of said rotatable members, a carrier for the other set of clutch disks arranged to lcoact with' the other rotatable member and loosely rotatable with respect to both the rotatable members.-

an auxiliary friction clutch between said loosely rotatable canier and the rotatable member with which it is arranged to coact and spring means for automatically closing said main clutch, separate spring means for automatically closing said auxiliary clutch and common clutch operating means for relieving the main and auxiliary clutches from the action of the said spring 3`. In a-clutch mechanism especially for au 4mobile vehicles having toothed-wheel changespeed gearing, the combination of a rotatable driving member and a rotatable .driven member with a main clutch of the multiple disk type.

comprising -two sets of co-operating clutch disks. a

carrier for one oisaid sets of clutch disks ilxed to one of said rotatable members, a carrier for the other set of clutch disks arranged to coact with the other rotatable-member andlooselyrotatable with respect to both the rotatable members, an auxiliary friction clutch between said loosely rotatable carrier and the rotatable. member with which it is arranged to coact and spring means' for automatically closing said main clutch, separate spring means for automatically closing said auxiliary clutchl and common clutchkollerating means for relieving the main and auxiliary clutches from the action of the said spring `mean s,' sa.ld common clutchopsrating means be'- ing arranged to relieve the main clutch before relieving the auxiliary clutch.

4. In a clutch mechanism especially for automobile vehicles having toothed-wheel changespeed gearing, the combination of a rotatable driving member and a rotatable driven member with a main clutch of the multiple disk type, comprising two sets of co-operating clutch disks. a carrier for one of said sets of clutch disks fixed to one of said rotatable members, a carrier for the other set of clutch disks arranged to coact with the other rotatable member and l rotatable with respect to both the rotatable members, an auxiliary friction clutch between said loosely rotatable carrier and the rotatable member with which it is arranged to coact and spring means for automatically closing said main clutch, separate spring means for automatically closing vsaid auxiliary clutch, clutch operating means for relieving the main clutch from the action oi' the spring'means for closing it and clutch operating A means for relieving the auxiliary clutch from the action of the spring means for closing it, arranged for actuation by the operating means for relieving the main clutch and in lost motion relationship with respect thereto.

5. In a clutch mechanism especially for automobile vehicles having tootlied-wheel changespeed gearing, the combination of a rotatable driving member anda rotatable driven member with a main clutch of the multiple disk type, comprising two sets of co-operating clutch disks, a carrier for one of said sets of clutch disks fixed to one of said rotatable members, a carrier for the other set-of clutch disks arranged to coact with the other rotatable member and loosely rotatable with respect to both the rotatable members, an auxiliary friction .clutch of the single disk type comprising a pressure ring and located between said second mentioned carrier and the rotatable member with which it coacts, spring means for closing the main clutch, spring means for'closing the auxiliary clutch, clutch operating means for relieving the main clutchfrom the action of the spring means for closing it and.V

clutch operating means for relieving the auxiliary clutch from the action of the spring means for closing it and comprising a plurality of double armed levers plvotally mounted on the second mentioned carrier andl arranged to engage said pressure ring.

6. In a clutch mechanism, the combination as set forth in claim 5 with adJustable screw means between the levers and the pressure ring for adjustably transmitting the motion of the levers to the pressure ring.

7. In a clutch mechanism especially for auto- .mobile vehicles having toothed-wheel changespeed gearing, the combination of a rotatable driving member and a rotatable driven memberwith a main clutch of the multiple disk type. comprising two sets of co-operating clutch disks, a carrier for one of said sets oi.' clutch disks xed to one of said rotatable members, a carrier for the other set of clutch disks arranged to coact with the other rotatable member and loosely rotatable with respect to both the rotatable members, both ofV said carriers being substantially non-shiftable in an axial direction, an auxiliary friction clutch between said loosely rotatable carrier` and the rotatable member with which it is arranged to coact.' said auxiliary clutch comprising a friction disk, two abutments rigid 'with the second-mentioned carrier; a pressure ring located between said friction disk and one of said abutments, pressure sprin'gs for closing the' auxiliary clutch located between the pressure ring and the said abutment, spring means for closing the main clutch, an axially shiftable member arranged so as to be capable of relieving the main'clutch from the action of said .spring means and means arranged to cooperate with said axially shiftable member for relieving the pressure ring from the action of the pressure springs.

8. In a clutch mechanism especially for automobile vehicles having toothed-wheel changespeedgearing, the' combination of a rotatable driving member and a rotatable driven member with a main clutch of the multiple disk type, comprising two sets of co-operating clutch disks, a carrier for one of said sets of clutch disks ilxed to one of said rotatable members, a carrier for the other set .of clutch disks arranged to coact with the other rotatablemember and loosely rotatable with respect to both the rotatable members, both of said carriers being substantially non-shiftable in an axial direction, an auxiliary friction clutch between said loosely rotatable carrier and the rotatable member with which it is arranged to coact, said auxiliary clutch comprising a friction disk, two abutments rigid with the second-mentioned carrier, a pressure ring located between said friction disk and one of said abutments, pressure springs for closing the auxiliary clutch located between the pressure ring and the said abutment, spring means for closing -the main' clutch, an axially shiftable member said pressure ring and to co-operate with thev axially shiftable member for relieving the pressure ring from the action of the pressure springs.

9. In a clutch mechanism especially for automobile vehicles having toothed-wheel changespeed gearing, the combination of a rotatable driving member and a rotatable driven shaft with a main clutch of the multiple disk type, compris- \ing two sets of co-operating clutch disks, a carrier for one of said sets of clutch disks rigidly connected to said driving member, a carrier for the other set of clutch disks loosely rotatable with respect to said driving member and driven shaft, an auxiliary friction clutch located between said second-mentioned carrier andthe driven shaft, an annular pressure member between said driving 4member and said sets of .clutch disks, spring means for closing' said main clutch interposed between said4 pressure member and the secondmentioned carrier so as to apply, the pressure member to the sets of clutch disks, means for displacing the pressure member so as-to compress said closing springs and relieve the clutch disks from the action of the pressure member and means arranged to co-operate with said pressure member for operating the auxiliary friction clutbh. y

10. In a clutch mechanism especially for automobile vehicles having toothed-wheel changespeed gearing, the combination of a rotatable driving member and a rotatable driven shaft with a main clutch of the multiple disk type, comprising two sets of 'co-operating clutch disks, a carrier for one of said sets of clutch disks rigidly connected to said driving member, a carrier for the other set of clutch disks loosely rotatable with respect to said driving member and driven shaft, an

auxiliary4 friction clutch located between said sec- 1 member and said sets of clutch disks, spring means for closing said main clutch interposed beclutch comprising a friction disk, an abutment for said friction disk on the second-mentionedcarg, outer carrier for the other set of clutch disks rier, a pressure ring, closing springs arranged to bear against said pressure ring so as to apply the pressure -ring against said friction disk, and radial double-armed levers pivotally mounted on the second-mentioned carrier with their outer arms in engagement with the pressure ring and their inner arms in engagement with the annular pressure member.

11. In a clutch mechanism, the combination as set forth in claim 10 with a hollow hub member -rigidly connected to the annular pressure member and containing the spring means for closing the main clutch and an axially shiitable'operating member for displacing said hub member axlally relatively to said driven shaft.

12.' In a clutch mechanism especially for automobile vehicles having toothed-wheel changespeed gearing, the combination of a rotatable driving member and a rotatable driven member with a main clutch of the multiple disk type, com-f prising two sets loi? co-operatlng clutch disks, a carrier for one of said setsof clutch disks fixed to one of said rotatable members, a carrier for the other set of clutch disks arranged to coact with the other rotatable member and loosely rotatable with respect to both the rotatable members,both of said carriers being substantially non-shiftable in an axial direction, an auxiliary friction clutch of the single disk type between said loosely rotatable carrier and the rotatable member with which it is arranged to coact, spring means for closing the main clutch, an annular pressure member interposed between said spring means and the main clutch, an axially shiitable operating member for relievingV the main clutch from the action of the clutch closing springs, said operating member being mounted non-rotatably relatively to the loosely rotatable carrier, an axially shiftable non-rotatable operating member arranged so as to be capable of being brought into engage-k ment with the operating member for relieving the main clutch from the action of the closing springs therefor and operating means for opening and closing the auxiliary clutch.

13. In a clutch mechanism especially for automobile vehicles having toothed-wheel changespeed gearing, the combination ofa rotatable driving member and a rotatable driven member with a main clutch of the multiple `disk.type, comprising two sets of cooperating clutch disks, an inner carrier for vone of said sets of clutch disks, rigidmeans for connecting said inner carrier to one of said rotatable members, an

arranged to coact with the other rotatable member and/loosely rotatable with respect to both the rotatable members, an auxiliary friction clutch between said loosely rotatable carrier and the rotatable member with which it is arranged ,tocoact, said rigid connecting means enclosing said outer carrier, and clutch actuatingmeans for said main and auxiliary clutches arranged 14. In-.a clutch mechanism especially forV auto-` mobile vehicles having toothedwheel .changespeed gearing, l.the combination of a rotatable driving member and a rotatable driven member with a main clutch of the multiple disk type, comprising two sets of co-operating clutch disks,

an inner carrier for one of said sets of clutch ldisks, rigid means for connecting said inner ,j carrier to onel of said rotatable members, an-

vouter carrier for the other set of clutch disks arranged to coact with the other rotatable memberand loosely yrotatable with respect to. both the rotatable members, an auxiliary friction clutch between said loosely rotatable carrier and the rotatable member with which it is arranged to coact, said rigid connecting means enclosing said outer carrier and said auxiliary clutch, and

clutch actuating means for said main and auxiliary clutches arrangedy to open the main clutch before the auxiliary clutch and to close the main clutch after the auxiliary clutch.

l5. In a clutch mechanism especially for automobile -vehicles having toothed-wheel changespeed' gearing, the-combination of a rotatable driving member and a rotatable driven member with a main clutch of the multiple disk type, comprising two sets of co-operating clutch disks, an inner carrier for one of said sets of clutch disks, rigid means for connecting said inner carrier to one of said'rotatable members, an outer carrier for the other set of clutch disks arranged to coact with the other rotatable member and loosely rotatable with respect to both the rotatable members. an ,auxiliary frictionclutch between said loosely rotatable carrier and the rotatable member with which it is arranged to coact, spring means for closing the main clutch.A

and clutch operating means for relieving the main clutch from the action of said spring means, said clutch operating means comprising a plurality of levers pivotally mounted on said outer car'- rier on that side of the sets of clutch disks which faces away from `said clutch operating means.

16. In a clutch mechanism especially for automobile vehicles having-toothed-wheel changedspeed gearing, the combination of a rotatable driving memberand a rotatable driven member `with* a main clutch of theY mltiple disk type, comprising two sets of co-operating clutch disks, an inner carrier for one of said sets of clutch disks, rigid means for connectingsaid inner carrier to one of said rotatable members, an outer carrier for the other set of clutch disks arranged to coact with the other rotatable member and loosely rotatable with respect to both the rotatable members, an auxiliary friction clutch between said 'loosely rotatable carrier and the rotatable member with which it is arr inged to coact, said rigid connecting means enclcsing said outer carrier and said auxiliary clutch. spring means for closing the main clutch, and clutch operating means for relieving the main clutch from the action of said spring means, said clutch operating means comprising a plurality of radially extending double-armed levers pivotally mounted on said outer carrier on that side of the sets of 4clutch disks which faces away from said clutch operating means.' A

17. In a clutch mechanism as claimed in claim 16, said auxiliary clutch comprising a pressurel ring, the outer arms of said'radially extending levers beingA adapted to engage' said pressure ring while the inner varms being adapted to be engaged by said clutch actuating means.

. 18. In a clutch mechanism especially for automobilevehicles having toothed-wheel changespeed gearing, the combination. of a rotatable driving member and a rotatable driven member loosely rotatable carrier and the rotatable member with which it is arrangedv to coact, means for actuating said auxiliary clutch. and means for actuating said main clutch independently of said auxiliary clutch actuating means, so as to open the main clutch each time before the auxillary clutch is opened, but to close the main clutch after the auxiliary clutch is closed.-

19. A clutch mechanism as claimed in claim 16, the auxiliary clutch of which comprises a pressure ring and a friction disk, characterized by the feature that the levers of the auxiliary clutch engage by their outer ends on the .inside of said pressure ning of the auxiliary'clutch, which is pressed against said friction disk by means of springs provided between it and said outer carrier, while the inner ends of the levers lie opposite a hub member which is in engagement with said clutch operating means.

20. A clutch mechanism as claimed in claim l, the auxiliary clutch of which-comprises a pressure ring, an abutment and a plurality of springs interposed between said abutment and said pressure ring, characterized by the feature that the loosely rotatable clutch disk carrier together with said abutment which is rigid with it forms an annular. body substantially U-shaped in cross-section.

21. In a clutch mechanism especially for automobile vehicles having toothed-wheel changespeed gearing, the combination of a rotatable driving member and a rotatable driven member with a main clutch of the multiple disk type, comprising two sets of co-operating clutch disks, a carrier for one of said sets of clutchdisks fixed to one of said rotatable members, a carrier for the other set of clutch disks arranged to coact with the other rotatable member and loosely rotatable with respect to both the rotatable members, an auxiliary friction clutch between said loosely rotatable carrier and the rotatable membeiwith which it is arranged to coact, clutch actuating means for said f main and auxiliary clutches arranged to open the main clutch before the auxiliary clutch and to close the main clutch after the auxiliary clutch, said clutch actuating means comprising a non-rotatable ring member, a sleeve member having an annular end surface and being adapted to rotate together with said loosely rotatable clutch disk carrier, and means to cause said ring member to come into frictional engagement with the annular face of said sleeve member.

HANS KA'I'I'WINKEL. 

